Clayton at a glance
- CountyRabun County (county seat)
- Population, 2020 Census2,003U.S. Census Bureau
- Elevation1,933 ftUSGS elevation at the town centre
- From downtown Atlantaabout 2 h 8 minby road, no traffic
What to know about Clayton
- Clayton, the Rabun County seat, was incorporated on December 13, 1823, as Claytonsville, named for Judge Augustin S. Clayton. Forward Rabun Chamber of Commerce
- Clayton is a mountain town and old rail town whose main street is lined with shops, galleries, restaurants and lodging. Forward Rabun Chamber of Commerce
- Clayton has preserved its older buildings alongside newer development, according to the local chamber. Forward Rabun Chamber of Commerce
- The Bartram Trail, a National Recreational Trail, is located in Clayton. Forward Rabun Chamber of Commerce
- The Chattooga River near Clayton, made famous by the movie Deliverance, is another popular attraction. Forward Rabun Chamber of Commerce
- The Foxfire Museum in Rabun County has exhibits on Appalachian life and documents the birth of the Foxfire magazine and book series. Forward Rabun Chamber of Commerce
- Black Rock Mountain State Park, on the Eastern Continental Divide at 3,640 feet, is the highest state park in Georgia. Georgia State Parks
- At Black Rock Mountain, roadside overlooks offer 80-mile views and four hiking trails pass wildflowers, streams and small waterfalls. Georgia State Parks
- Tallulah Gorge, one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep, with rim trails and a permit-only hike to the gorge floor. Georgia State Parks
- Tallulah Gorge is a 1,000-foot geologic formation with five waterfalls. Georgia State Parks
- Lake Burton covers 2,800 acres and is a prime spot for skiing, boating and fishing. Georgia State Parks
- Rabun County Tourism (Forward Rabun) has its physical office at 10 Seed Tick Road, Clayton, Georgia 30525. Rabun County Tourism (Explore Rabun / Forward Rabun)
- Moccasin Creek State Park sits on the shores of Lake Burton and calls itself the place "where spring spends the summer." Georgia State Parks
Coming up in Clayton
2026 OTM Fall Marketplace
Organizer date for 2026Of These Mountains' fall marketplace of artists, makers and vendors at the Rabun County Civic Center pavilions, timed for early holiday shopping.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: Of These Mountains, checked 2026-10-19
Clayton Annual Christmas Parade
Organizer date for 2026Clayton's annual Christmas parade downtown. This year's theme honors the Founding Fathers and early American Christmases for the nation's 250th anniversary. Entry applications are available online or at City Hall, with a November 30 deadline.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: City of Clayton – "Save the date for the Annual Christmas Parade" (posted October 13, 2026), checked 2026-10-19
Cookie Crawl
Organizer date for 2026Downtown businesses hand out holiday treats while shoppers walk Main Street. The Clayton Merchants & Business Association lists it as the last event on its 2026 calendar.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: Visit Clayton GA (Clayton Merchants & Business Association), checked 2026-10-19
Every North Georgia event in the finder
How far is Clayton?
Drive times by road
| Town | Atlanta | Alpharetta | Marietta | Lawrenceville | Athens | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton | about 2 h 8 min108 mi | about 2 h 2 min92 mi | about 2 h 18 min115 mi | about 1 h 43 min82 mi | about 1 h 38 min75 mi | about 3 h 18 min140 mi |
Computed 2026-10-19 with the OSRM router on OpenStreetMap data, town centre to town centre. free-flow driving time, no traffic
Visitor information
Rabun County Tourism (Forward Rabun), 10 Seed Tick Road, Clayton, GA 30525. Official visitor site
Before you head out to Tallulah Gorge or Black Rock Mountain, the streets of downtown Clayton are covered in Downtown Clayton.
Towns near Clayton
- Clarkesville about 20 mi straight-line
- Hiawassee about 21 mi straight-line
- Helen about 22 mi straight-line
Dates, times and rules can change. Each listing links the organizer or local government page it came from, with the date we checked it; confirm there before you go.
